Devoted. Tough. Respected.

Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Tina's characters, Alec's article and "mister of honor" from bride wars.
Spoilers: Nope.
Pairing: Jack/Liz, Avery/Carol, Liz/Carol
Summary: "Okay, this is what I choose."
(follow up to Smart. Funny. Beautiful.)

Half an hour later, Liz made her decision. It should be the right one, since Jack said to follow her heart. And she always trusted Jack. He was her only best friend, the one she could talk to at any time. They memorize each other, they have NO secrets. Even though they're from 2 different families and careers, it's like they meet in the middle. Liz slowly got up. She went to the fridge to eat a pizza.
With merely 10 minutes to go, Jack stood up on the bride's side and took his place as "Mister of Honor." Liz had always been devoted to her job, so Jack thought she was still in the room because she would be finishing up sketches. Liz had always been tough to her crew, so they could get the best show on NBC. And of course, Liz was always respected. Sometimes, not by her co-workers, but most of the time, Jack respected her. But there was always one thing about her that was an imperfection. Her posture. She wasn't welcoming people to "Castle Frankenstein." Jack laughed at the thought. He stopped laughing when he saw someone on the groom's side. The blond-haired newscaster with a tiny baby cradled in her arms. He quickly sent a text to Liz giving her a picture of what he had just seen. It didn't make sense. If Avery was at the groom's side, why was she there?
Ten minutes seemed to go by too quickly. Before you know it, Liz came out the door with not her dress, but her usual attire. She came up to Carol and said 
"Hey."
"Liz, where's your dress?"
"Look, I, um, I'm not marrying you."
Carol stood there with a blank face.
"I know, Carol. Avery's the one you love and she's carrying your baby."
Liz took the ring off her finger.
"I don't deserve this, Carol. Give it to someone you really love. Thanks for the good time."
She placed one last kiss on his cheek. She went up to where the microphone was.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have an announcement to make. There will not be a wedding today, nor tomorrow. Carol and I have decided to part ways. I'm sorry to the people who came from the other side of the country just to see this, but it's just not gonna work out. He loves someone else and I do too. Have a safe drive home."
After everyone left the church, Liz and Jack were the only ones left. Liz just sat on the stairs, having the same face she did just hours before. Jack sat with her.
"You wanna go home, Lemon?"
"Jack, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Lemon. Anything."
"Do you think...if we kissed after Kathy told us to....that we would possibly work out?"
"I've had some thoughts about that. But sometimes, I did think that, yes."
"So...do you think it will work now?"
"Lemon, I have a question."
"Okay, what is it?"
"Who do you love?"
Liz slowly lifted her hand and pointed to Jack. 
"Ah, I see."
"So, answer my question."
"Yes, it could possibly work out."
"You wanna go to Dunkin' Donuts to get some coffee and donuts?"
"Yeah. I'm really hungry."
Liz took Jack's arm and hugged it with her arm and she placed her head on his shoulders. Jack held her hand and Liz just smiled. Do what your heart tells you to, and it will get you to the right places.

END.